Two HK children in critical condition from severe flu complications as cases rise

Hong Kong health authorities have reported two serious flu cases involving young children with underlying health conditions, one now in critical condition and the other serious, amid a surge in pediatric infections since the school year began.

The Centre for Health Protection has recorded the cases, both involving boys who had not received this season’s flu vaccine and had no recent travel history. 

One child remains in intensive care with low blood pressure, while the other is fighting severe pneumonia.

The first case involves an 11-year-old boy who developed fever, cough, and shortness of breath last Saturday. 

He sought treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital’s Accident & Emergency Department the following day and was admitted.

His condition worsened today due to low blood pressure, requiring transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit where he is now listed as serious. 

Tests confirmed he has influenza A, with a clinical diagnosis of influenza complicated by shock.

The boy lives in a school dormitory where an influenza-like outbreak recently occurred. 

Three other boarders and two staff members developed respiratory symptoms around the same time. 

One required hospitalization and tested positive for influenza A but has since recovered and been discharged. 

The remaining four experienced mild symptoms and did not need hospital care.

The second case concerns an 11-month-old infant already receiving treatment at Kwong Wah Hospital for an existing illness. 

He developed a fever and cough yesterday and was moved to the pediatric intensive care unit, where his condition is now critical. Laboratory results confirmed influenza A (H3), and doctors diagnosed severe pneumonia as a complication. One family member at home recently had similar respiratory symptoms but has recovered.

Including these two cases, 16 children have suffered severe flu complications since schools reopened in September, with ages ranging from 11 months to 17 years. 

One child has died. Eleven of the affected children were previously in good health.

Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, noted that 677 school-related outbreak reports have been logged since September. 

Current trends suggest flu activity will remain elevated over the coming weeks.

Health officials are urging schools and parents to arrange free seasonal flu vaccinations for students and children as soon as possible to reduce the risk of severe illness.